Battle of Atchoupa
After regrouping, Dahomey sent another force south, this time toward Porto-Novo. After receiving numerous reinforcements, the French ordered between 350-400 men with three field guns to march north and intercept the Fon. This time, the French would be assisted by warriors from the kingdom of Porto-Novo. Some 500 of King Tofa's warriors marched ahead as a screening force. Barely 4 miles outside of their target, the Dahomey army encountered and routed the Porto-Novo force. A group of tirailleurs fighting alongside the group did hold its ground, allowing the rest of the French force to form a defensive square. For over two hours, the Fon attacked the French square with numerous charges forcing. The Dahomey force was able to fight the French all the way back to Porto-Novo before breaking off the attack and returning without taking the city.
Read more about this topic: First Franco-Dahomean War
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“I remember the scenes of battle in which we stood together. I remember especially that broad and deep grave at the foot of the Resaca hill where we left those gallant comrades who fell in that desperate charge. I remember, through it all, the gallantry, devotion and steadfastness, the high-set patriotism you always exhibited.”
—Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901)